BEGINNERS - FIXED WING
Type of Model
In order to learn to fly model aeroplanes you will need to
begin with a “Trainer” aircraft. A trainer being
a model which has been designed specifically for the purposes
of learning to fly. Although the big box in the model shop
containing a Spitfire may seem far more appealing now, it
is in your own interests to start at the beginning and to
coin a phrase “be able to walk before you can run.”
The qualities that a good trainer should posses are natural
stability and relatively slow and forgiving flight characteristics.
This allows the learner pilot more time to get a feel for
the controls of the model. In effect the model should be vice-less
and of simple and durable construction, enabling ease of build
(and repair!). Normally what all this translates to is a high
wing aircraft with a tricycle undercarriage. Occasionally
these types of design can look somewhat like a “box”
with wings, however there are some quite attractive trainer
aircraft available today which look far more like a real aircraft.
You can of course purchase a second hand model but be sure
to check the build quality and condition carefully.
If you wish to own a new model, the first decision you must
make is whether you want to build the model from a kit, or
purchase an almost ready to fly (ARTF) model. A true building
enthusiast may wish to construct their model solely from plans
and raw materials, however for the purposes of your first
aircraft this would probably represent too much of an outlay
in construction time.
Pictures of typical Trainer aircraft.
Kit Models
The standard of most modern kits is very high, some with
modern CNC / Laser cutting techniques being used to form the
components. Generally a basic trainer kit will require constructing
and then finishing in a covering material, normally with an
“Iron on” covering. Most trainers are based around
simple design and construction. Building your first model
will teach you new skills that will be very useful should
you wish to build more complex designs in the future. It will
also prove invaluable should you need to repair the model,
as you will already be very familiar with the construction
techniques used and will have the “raw” skills
to be able to achieve the repair.
The drawback of building from a kit can be the length of
time that it takes to construct and finish the model. Although
fairly limited, you will need some tools and a suitable area
to build the model. With the current trend of ARTF models,
the number of kits available seems to be diminishing. As less
people are buying kits, the knock on effect is that the price
of the existing kits tends to rise. When you add up the price
of a kit and the glues and covering materials required to
complete it, you will find that there are ARTF models available
for less money. In our club, most beginners find this impossible
to justify and the ARTF model is subsequently bought. However
please don’t just follow the current trend, if you wish
to construct your model from a kit then you go ahead and do
it. True model making is a skill that is diminishing and there
is a lot of satisfaction in watching the aeroplane that you
have built, flying successfully.
Almost Ready To Fly (ARTF) Models
An ARTF is where the basic model has been built and finished
for you and only a few remaining parts of the construction
and installation are required. Generally the construction
remaining is to join the wing panels, glue the tail-plane
and fin to the fuselage and attach the undercarriage. You
may also need to hinge the control surfaces if not already
done by the manufacturer. Then all that is required is to
install your chosen engine and radio equipment and the model
is then ready to fly. A massive saving on time compared to kit building.
Generally the quality of construction and finish of modern
ARTF’s is very high. A big advantage of this is that
the beginner has a model that has been built well and will
therefore fly straight and true. The prices are sometimes so competitive
that one wonders how the manufacturer can afford to build
the model for that price. Some ARTF’s have spare parts
available should you be unfortunate enough to require them.
Often it is less expensive to effect a simple repair yourself,
however without having built a model this will depend on whether
you have the required skills to do this.
Which is the most suitable for the beginner?
Due to their excellent value for money and ease to complete,
the ARTF model is hard to beat. If you do enjoy modelling
and wish to build a kit, then as long as you take your time
and follow the instructions, either way you should end up
with a model very suitable for learning to fly with.
In terms of which particular model to buy, everyone has their
own favourites and this is very much a case of personal choice.
The ARC Ready has been proven to be a excellent choice as
well as several other trainers available today. These models are normally just over 60”
wingspan and require a 40 - 46 cu in engine. The size of the
model being large enough to see and handle well in the air,
without being too difficult to transport. This is the most
popular size of model as the 40 - 46 cu in engine they suit
are the most popular/plentiful size of engine.
There are many models to choose from and it is very much
down to your personal choice. Try seeing what models are being
flown at the flying field and what you think of their finished
appearance / performance before buying.
